Archie Shepp is an American jazz saxophonist, poet, and playwright long kno… Read Full Bio ↴Archie Shepp is an American jazz saxophonist, poet, and playwright long known for the outspoken political tones in his work.

Shepp was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 24th, 1937, but raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he studied piano, clarinet and alto saxophone before focusing on tenor saxophone (he occasionally plays soprano saxophone). He is best known for his passionately Afrocentric music of the late sixties which focused on highlighting the injustices faced by people of African descent. He is also known for his 60's work with the New York Contemporary Five with co-founder Don Cherry and Shepp's collaborations with his "New Thing" contemporaries, most notably Cecil Taylor and John Coltrane, but also Roswell Rudd and Bobby Hutcherson.

Considered a jazz great, saxophonist Archie Shepp recorded albums like Poem For Malcolm and Live in Antibes for labels like Verve and Impulse. He was active in academia at SUNY Buffalo as a professor of African American Studies and the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a professor of music. He played with other notable musical radicals including Frank Zappa and provided the musical score to the movie Gotta Dance and is featured on the 1984 Wilebski's Blues Saloon Festival DVD.

The Shadow Of Your Smile
Archie Shepp Lyrics

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The shadow of your smile
When you have gone
Will color all my dreams
And light the dawn

Look into my eyes my love and see
All the lovely things you are to me

Our wistful little star
It was far, too high
A teardrop kissed your lips
And so did I

Now when I remember spring
All the joys that love can bring

I will be remembering
The shadow of your smile

Overall Meaning

In these poignant lyrics from Archie Shepp's song "The Shadow of Your Smile," the singer reflects on the lingering impact of a loved one's absence. The shadow of the smile of this person, who has now departed, is described as something that will continue to influence the dreams and illuminate the beginning of each day. This imagery suggests that even after the physical presence of the loved one is no longer there, their positive influence and memory will continue to guide and inspire the singer.

The lyrics further convey a sense of longing and admiration as the singer implores their beloved to look into their eyes and recognize the beautiful qualities that they possess. By asking their love to see themselves through the singer's perspective, the lyrics express a deep emotional connection and a profound appreciation for the virtues and attributes of the loved one. This gesture highlights the importance of mutual understanding and recognition in a relationship, emphasizing the significance of shared perceptions and sentiments.

The reference to a "wistful little star" that was "far, too high" conveys a sense of unattainability and distance, suggesting that the love shared between the singer and the departed individual may have been elusive or out of reach. The imagery of a teardrop touching the lips further underscores the emotional intensity and intimacy between the two, as tears are often associated with profound emotions and vulnerability. The comparison between the tear and the singer's kiss on the lips of the loved one evokes a sense of closeness and shared emotions, implying a deep bond between them.

The final stanza of the lyrics evokes memories of spring and the joys that love can bring, indicating a sense of nostalgia and longing for past happiness. The singer expresses that when they reminisce about these moments, they will inevitably recall the shadow of the loved one's smile, suggesting that their presence and impact will continue to be felt even in moments of reflection. Through these evocative lyrics, Archie Shepp captures the bittersweet essence of love, loss, and remembrance, inviting listeners to contemplate the enduring power of memories and the profound influence of those we hold dear.

Line by Line Meaning

The shadow of your smile
The memory of your smile

When you have gone
After you have left

Will color all my dreams
Will influence my dreams

And light the dawn
And bring hope in the morning

Look into my eyes my love and see
Look into my eyes and understand

All the lovely things you are to me
All the beautiful qualities you possess from my perspective

Our wistful little star
Our longing little star

It was far, too high
Too distant and unreachable

A teardrop kissed your lips
A tear touched your lips

And so did I
Just like how I did

Now when I remember spring
Now when I recall the season of spring